SCM November/December 2004

Updated:Dec 21,2012

Sandwiched between a Rock and a Hard PlaceCaregivers who meet the needs of two generations are sometimes referred to as the “sandwich generation.” This generation often finds itself caught in the middle, between very distinct life circumstances: between adolescent phone calls and calls to 9-1-1, first dates and first strokes, broken hearts and heart surgeries, first loves and last rites. Even under the best of circumstances, taking on the day-to-day responsibility and medical management of another’s life can cause physical and psychological exhaustion. When caregiving responsibilities fall on a family with children at home, it can put a severe strain on everyone.

House Approves STOP Stroke Act.The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act in June. The action on this bill has now moved to the Senate, which passed this bill unanimously in the previous session of Congress.

Experimental Stroke Therapy Linked to Brain ChangesAn experimental exercise therapy improves arm function in chronically impaired stroke survivors, according to a study at the University of Tubingen, Germany.

Sleep Disorders May Be a Stroke RiskStroke survivors are more likely to have sleep problems, according to a recent study of 317 patients at the Idaho Neurological Institute.

Readers Room features personal stories, letters, poems and artwork from stroke survivors and family caregivers.

Everyday Survival features helpful tips for activities of daily living and resources. In this issue:

Coping with Incontinence: A Caregiver's Guide by Heather Harper

Books for Caregivers

Have you seen Stroke Connection’s humor column, Life At The Curb? Brain Freeze, John Kawie’s award-winning one-man show is now available on DVD. Now you can have John in your home and help support Stroke Connection! Order yours today at brainfreezedvd.com (opens in new window).

For every Brain Freeze video sold from 8/1/10 through 7/13/15, and after the recovery of startup costs, Parma Recordings will donate 17% of the retail sales price to the American Stroke Association. Brain Freeze contains adult language and situations that may not be suitable for all audiences.